mystarlight · 28 July 2018 · Chapter 1: A Mission Abroad
Wonderful story again. Hope you will update it. Thank you so much for writing and sharing
The Seagoing Eagle by perelleth
Reviews (29)
Elentarri · 6 March 2013 · Chapter 3: Pelargir
Hello Can you please update this story? You left it handing. ;) Many thanks Kind regards Elentarri
RS · 7 March 2010 · Chapter 3: Pelargir
SO..... Are you going to continue? I've been waiting for an udate. Had to reread the chapters so I don't forget the story. Just a little note to let you know that this reader is still very interested in this adventure and is dying to know what will happen! Hope everything is well with you.
Author's reply
THank you for your gentle nudging, RS! I might eventually, because the story is almost done, but life's been very busy and right now I find it difficult to write. I'll try harder, since you're so kind to be waiting for it...
Linda Hoyland · 29 September 2009 · Chapter 2: In Dangerous Company
I love young Hirgon's devotion to Aragorn. The plot thickens in Gondor. I love the way Aragorn deals with it all.
Redheredh · 16 August 2009 · Chapter 3: Pelargir
The plot thickens and Thorongil is finding himself in a real stew, eh? *g* Which is cooking up very savory. Hurin, a political replacement? Interesting... And I really like Iorhil! He promises a lot of flamboyant fun. You do have me as worried about Hirgon as much as Aragorn, though. But, the tour of the port and city was marvelous!! I really loved that aspect of the narrative! And can't wait to enter the Citadel! Actually, I love the colour to give to all the incidental characters. But, I do have to say that this chapter seemed a bit rushed to post... Oh, and sorry about the food metephors lately. However, you have left me hungry for more.
Larner · 16 August 2009 · Chapter 3: Pelargir
Aha! So, at this point Hurin has been working elsewhere than in the Citadel, eh? Interesting! And it would be nice to know what message Denethor was trying to send to him! Now, to find out why this snake wants these folk permanently out of service to the realm to the point of denouncing them to Ecthelion, and to learn what the problem is at the Citadel of Pelargir.
Vilwarin · 16 August 2009 · Chapter 3: Pelargir
Dear perelleth, I'm enjoying your story more and more the longer it goes. You do such a fantastic job in bringing the characters, places and events to life. And you give a sensible and well thought out reason why the Steward is now prompted to act. I love it! And I really like your Iôrhil, he sounds like a clever person that you'd also have fun with. Oh my, and now I'm wondering what's happened?
daw the minstrel · 15 August 2009 · Chapter 3: Pelargir
It seems to me that Aragorn is finding more complications than he realized in this assignment, even though he'd already suspected it would be tricky. I hope he's able to sort the guilty from the innocent.
Author's reply
yeah, well, I think I got a bit carried away, so this is getting perhaps ridiculously convoluted... sigh! Thanks anyway for keeping on!
Agape4Gondor · 3 August 2009 · Chapter 2: In Dangerous Company
Very interesting. I thought that might be the 'Red Arrow' Hirgon... another character I really like. As for this mission - I do not trust - no, I don't even know what to say. It seems that Ecthelion might be listening to the wrong 'people' in regards to his nobles... I hope he did not rely solely upon Morlum's testimony before sentencing these men. Good chapter... My favorite line - What was there worth saving, he thought bitterly, if the guiding branches were so twisted and crooked by darkness?
Author's reply
I'm glad you find it interesting. POwer struggles are always difficult to bear from the outside, and worse for those who are bound to obey a lord and have ot themselves the power -and the res`ponsiblity- of making decisions. Aragorn may one day become king but he is now learning how difficlt politics is! Thank you very much for your kind words.
Agape4Gondor · 3 August 2009 · Chapter 1: A Mission Abroad
A very interesting and tense first chapter. Talk about intrigue. I am fond of Hurin and am hoping this is not an AU - and that the boy becomes Warden... He played such an important part at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. As for his dad, I certainly like him - poor Galdor. Hmmm - poison. Is this how dear Finduilas meets her end? Drat And I love the portrayal of Denethor as a loving husband/father. Aragorn definitely has his hands full, should be watching his back, and should flee from Gondor as soon as possible... if he ever expects to live!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Agapae, and apologies for the delay in answering. For your tranquility, I do not write AUs. I am happy enough with what Tolkien set for us so I play inside the his reality, so, yes, Hurin will be where we know he is at the end of the War! :-). And no, I am not aware of ever mentioning poison here... :-)
Fantasia · 3 August 2009 · Chapter 2: In Dangerous Company
And now you get me curious. How do you know I am from Spain? :-) This is not related to your story, but I wanted to respond your question Believe me, I haven't contracted Morlum for that information, I remember that I read one comment from you that you told an interesting story that happened during the Spain Civil War (I usually read all the comments that people post about the stories that I care). I'm not form Spain, I was born in Cuba (I live now in California) but Spain and her history is a big deal for us, we were one of the last colonies and we have strong bonds with Spain, two of my grandparents were born there, Tenerife and Bilbao. My husband's father was born in Asturias. I remember when I read your comment that I was surprised that you were form Spain, don't know why, probably because your English is very good and never gave me an indication that you are from non-English country, I wish that my English were better, I couldn't write an story in English, well to be fair, I can not do it even in Spanish. I do love your country, I have the opportunity to visit it 4 year ago and I haven't never feel more at home that in Spain, since I left my country, not even when I visit Miami, so full of cubans. Keep writing, I love all your stories.
grumpy · 2 August 2009 · Chapter 2: In Dangerous Company
Aragorn seems to be going on a suicide mission, with folks who don't have a choice, and a very unpleasant spy. Are we sure the stewart isn't trying to get rid of him too! Good thing he has Hirgon and Baranor to watch his back.
RS · 1 August 2009 · Chapter 2: In Dangerous Company
Instead of pushing Morlum, Aragorn should have shoved him and tripped him at the same time! What a slimy character! I find your characters very fascinating and intriguing. I just want to hug Hirgon and Baranor is very likable. I can tell I am going to be checking for updates frequently on this story. I am loving it already!
Author's reply
I'm laughing at the idea of throwing Morlum over the board. And I am sovery glad that you are enjoying the story. I'll be updating most probably on a weekly basis and around the week end, if nothing intergçferes. THank you very much for your words!
Redheredh · 1 August 2009 · Chapter 2: In Dangerous Company
Gosh, I am really of two minds with this chapter... One side is giggling with pleasure. It was very enjoyable, tense, entertaining, humorous, interesting, and informative. I really liked a warm-hearted joke introducing Hirgon. I can just see Aragorn habitually meditating through the night before a fire, in a palace or in the wild. I can't help but feel there was the intention to provoke a suicide, not as a threat but as an alternative. (The circumstances brought Rommel's death-scenario as it unfolded with his family to mind.) Forlong certainly set a stomach-twisting tone and you had good control of the difficult scene at the docks. The tableau of the condemned's families personified the revealed list even more and illustrated other interesting aspects of their situation. Cool seeing the future characters early on. Two side is very disgruntled. Morlum is a disappointment. Its one thing to have a mercenary commander from the North like Thorongil ensconced in the government, but another to have a out-and-out southener as a powerful royal agent. And such a stereotypical one at that. By the way you have painted the nobility, the Morlum you have put in with them would have been long ago assassinated without conscience and with the passive approval of the realm's peers. For now, I will have to pretend he is a distraction to obfuscate another designate of Echthelion. Someone, more patriotic and more zealous and just as likely common-born, watching this arrogant fool's back because he is using him as a false front. (Good gracious, talk about writing one's own story...) Both minds agree there is something not quite obvious going on with this mission. *squeee!* Now in regards to my last review and Aragorn's selfish reasons for accepting Echthelion's plan: The Steward admitted that he decided to allow the mission because the resources were coming together. And Morlum as an excellent spy had done good work to that purpose. But, the timing had to appear very specific even to Thorongil. His loyalty to Ecthelion rationalized his cooperation, but the real reason was the mission was Thorongil's idea, his proposal, his objective - finally approved! However, what would have been risky at best is, because of the compelled timing, actually suicidal. If he was not deeply worried that the mission would be entirely cancelled, he would as a concerned commander delayed deployment until any new intelligence was at least verified. (Granted, he does have some time to do that before they reach the objective.) Instead, he accepts all the conditions and objurgates much of his personal objections. At first, he tells himself that he will not be involved directly in the executions. Plus, as a commander he has and will send men to their deaths. Not too much difference there between the lords ordered to go with him or the soldiers under orders. But in this chapter, you confirmed what I thought - with Forlong and the kerfuffle at the docks - that he was fooling himself about his role in order to get what he wanted. He is the axe-man and everyone knows it, including him.
Author's reply
Wow! YOu've given me a lot to think about! Well, tell your sides that perhaps they are both right. I'm very much caught by surprise by the strong reactions Morlum is getting... and not displeased, although i didn't anticipate all that! And thank you very much for the explanation, which is very insightful as well. I now have my hands full with all that has already been written to check if so many things get an answer, even if it is not what the readers think or wish. I think I'm treading deeper waters than I expected! ONly thing I can say, Aragorn is in his formative years, so all that he does and thinks in this time will help shape him up later as commander and as ruler...and we all know that mistakes are better teachers than successes... BUt in the case of this mission, I doubt there was anything left for him but accepting or resigning from his position. Ecthelion knows what he is asking of Aragorn and hides it not: a suicidal mission, a group of noblemen and the expected rejection from the factions. Clearing the house before leaving and preferably done by someone from the outside, so the blame falls not in Denethor but in an outsider who will probably not be around much longer. And Aragorn accepted, perhaps as you say, because we all want to show that we are up to difficult tasks, or perhaps because he felt he could fix such terrible thing in a better, more compassionate manner, or perhaps he really thought that if the men were guilty they had to set right what they had done... or a mix of everything. I'm rambling, I know, but, as I said before, you have given me too much to ponder and right now my brain is not at its best! So thank you very much for your insightful words! and off I am to start thinking! :-)
Vilwarin · 1 August 2009 · Chapter 2: In Dangerous Company
I loved this chapter. Your writing is really superb - you did great work setting up the scenes with the right atmosphere and bring in humour where it fits. And again some very interesting things: Aragorn playing with "Barahir" and comparing North and South. And I already like Baranor. ;) One tiny thing: >>Lord Hador of Pinnath Galen! It's Pinnath Gelin. You probably confused it with Parth Galen. Cheers, Vilwarin.
Author's reply
Changed! Thank you! What a slip! And thank you very much for your words. I am glad you are enjoying the story.
daw the minstrel · 1 August 2009 · Chapter 2: In Dangerous Company
That whole scene at the dock was very ugly. And I'm not impressed by the Snake. I wonder how good his information and intent are. He seems intent on his own success rather than Gondor's. The new squire is cute though. I hope he keeps well. I'm afraid he's about to learn some things he's young to know.
Author's reply
THank-you, Daw. Thes tory picked up on itself and the knowt becae tighter with all the things you just point out. WE'll see how I get out of this one...
Larner · 1 August 2009 · Chapter 2: In Dangerous Company
Ah, another advisor who is a snake, then. And is the source of this one also from the Gap of Rohan and the Ring of Isengard? It would appear to me that as Hurin returned to serve as Warden of the Keys under Denethor, Morlum most likely did not return, and perhaps with a bit of help of several of those he'd hoped to remove from positions of authority to the lessening of the realm. He certainly appears a poisonous individual. And methinks he would like also to rid the realm of the famous Captain Thorongil as well!
Author's reply
HEhehe, thank-you, Larner! You have woven a whole story yourself in just five lines, wow! I'm impressed! :-) This will unravel to make sense, I hope, but thanks again for following and letting me know!
Elena Tiriel · 31 July 2009 · Chapter 2: In Dangerous Company
Wow, what a fascinating and intriguing (in more than one sense of that word) beginning! I'm looking forward to your treatment of The Umbar Affair. Well done, Perelleth! - Barbara
Author's reply
Thank-you, Barbara. I'm now scratching my head wondering where all that came from, so tangled! :-)
Fantasia · 31 July 2009 · Chapter 2: In Dangerous Company
Very interesting story, I love the court intrigue tales. I suppose that you have a lot of inspiration in your own country History, are you form Spain, aren’t you? I was reading a novel where the first Duke of Alba was involved and I was surprised that even he was a target for court intrigues and of course, the absolute power that Kings had at that time with almost zero opposition. When I was reading Aragorn thinking about the difference between the South realm and his north rangers I thought that at the end they are all the same, there is not a North Realm anymore because the weakness of the North nobility, at least the south has a kingdom still, and I will point, thanks to the Stewards. I suppose that is not uncommon to have this kind of "justice' for the nobility, no trial to show the weakness of the realm, and a noble death to clean the house name. Romans allowed their patricians to kill themselves to spare the family disgrace, but to have innocents along with the guilty ones, without giving a chance for defense themselves, it is a dangerous path, one that can have more discontents that supporters in the future. The master spy, don't like him, who says that he doesn't have his own agenda against the noble houses; he is not really loved around there. I like Aragorn though, he is trying to act right and give some dignity to them... Love Forlong, BTW...and Denethor is watching.. Thanks and waiting for more
Author's reply
Thank-you, Fantasia! to have innocents along with the guilty ones, without giving a chance for defense themselves, it is a dangerous path, one that can have more discontents that supporters in the future. You are right, of course. THat's why the Steward charged someone outof th efamily and the realm to do the laundry, sparing his son and heir the task. Practical politics, although he had no way to know that he was involving the king! :-) So now Aragorn is ina pretty tight situation involving his potential future. Well, history show us many things, that's true, but I usually draw inspiration from day to day... Intrigues around power are always a cosntant, and in my experience there is nothing like "absolute power" or "no opposition" Even the absolute monarchs depended on a network or cortesans, ministers and allies... all of whom were continualy struggling among themselves, so that's what happened to the first duke of Alba... :-) I think that it is more a degree of "visiblity" of the hands behind the power, rather than aboslute power with no opposiiton, but that, of course, is my own idea! :-) And now you get me curious. How do you know I ma from Spain? :-) Thank-you very much for taking the time of reviewing, and I am most happy that you liked how Forlong came across! I am particularly fond of that scene myself! :-)
grumpy · 30 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Mission Abroad
Well this is a bit of bad luck,going on a mission with peaple that the stewart wants to get rid of. Wonder who is, or has been in his room.
Author's reply
LOLOL. Being the Steward's right hand has its drawbacks at times, it seems. I have just posted the answer to your question. Thank-you for stopping by, grumpy.
Redheredh · 26 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Mission Abroad
This is so good!! Wonderful beginning! But, you already know how much I love meticulous political intrigue as a source of conflict. And I will not go into highlights. Everything scene was fascinating, contributing fully to the whole atmosphere of loyalty and betrayal. Really great Shakespearean shadings going on here. I love how you have hemmed in the nobility and Ecthelion himself with that "dense, tight net" you created out of a simple historical notation. This opening was a very entertaining setup for the mission to come. I am glad you kept Thorongil a soldier and that he would cling to that honor. However, whether it is yet clear to him or not, he had bought into Ecthelion's purposes for his own sorta selfish reasons. He should indeed be deeply bothered by it and choose to listen better to the pleas of those who may themselves be involved with traitors when they say Hurin is actually innocent. Clearly, Hurin returns, but the story of how that happens will be quite interesting. Though I doubt we will see much more of Galdor, he was my favorite supporting role this chapter. I am hoping we get to meet some of Thorongil's staff and officers next chapter. If he does not end up in the Houses of Healing first! Can't wait to meet Morlum, deadly agent of the Steward's secret police, which have so thoroughly frightened both court and family... Makes me speculate what other policies Ecthelion has quietly carried out in the past. Your description of Aragorn's weariness reminded me that soon enough after this mission he went to Lothlorien apparantly burnt out. But, that was the place where so much changed for him and, as a result, for Gondor. You could almost say Denethor's disorienting example taught him something important about duty and love before his arrival in the Golden Wood... And after all that, a cliffie! Yay!
Author's reply
Wow, thank-you! I am now worrying that this is not actually up to the expectations! But I find it difficult to stick to a simple story, so at times I get into deeper waters than I intended. I hope I get out from this one! Ruling GOndor in a troubled time as Ecthelioin's cannot be an easy task, and the exercise -and keeping- of power, often requires dark, murky, ruthless policies and actions. So here, apparently, Denethor and Ecthelion are at odds, though not openly, and Aragorn is burdened with a disputable task, that of leading men - and not just simple citizens- to their deaths without a trial. We know not yet who is and who is not in that list, and what lengths Ecthelion is willing to go in his pruning, taking away healthy branches with the rotten ones so that he leaves his son a clean start... or either a start darkened by such a pruning? Such definite decisions often have their drawbacks. I think the situation is interesting also from the point of view of Aragorn, one who one day hopes to rule the realm and will be somehow grudged his part in such a blow against the nobility! But that is something Ecthelion had no way or knowing. I am glad that you liked Galdor. Means that his anguish comes across. We all know that Hurin survives and keeps the second most important position in that court, so there is something wrong here... And... yes, I decided to make this the proverbial drop that goes over the brim for Aragorn. After this adventure he will cross Anduin and leave GOndor.. and somehow in the following year he will end up in Lorien.... and his strength will be renewed with a real promise to hold on to. Also, I would like to know more about what selfish reasons you can find in Aragorn's decision to obey Ecthelion's command, if you have the time and the inclination! :-) As I told Dot, reviews usually allow me to grasp povs that I may have easily missed. Thank-you very much again.
Dot · 26 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Mission Abroad
Oh yay, a new story! But how strange - no elves! This is very intriguing, Perelleth. And completely engrossing right from the start. I have a million questions but I'll spare you for now and try and sit tight ;-)
Author's reply
And completely engrossing right from the start. is it really? You know I always have trouble because my stories seem too slow but I do not feel up to the task of pacing them up... I wondered if I could hold my attention without elves. I'm still struggling! :-) And do not hold back your questions! Questions often serve a distracted writer as myself to focus on points she thinks are clear enough which are not! :-) Thank-you as always, Dot.
Linda Hoyland · 25 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Mission Abroad
A very interesting and promising start to your story. I liked the idea that Ecthelion had told Aragorn he was free to leave after the mission. The plotters are a unique twist. Eagerly awaiting more.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Linda.That particular adventure in Umbar always caught my imagination but it took some time to to figure out more than what Tolkien says in a drabble! :-)
Lindelea · 25 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Mission Abroad
Fascinating. A good beginning, leaving the reader wanting more. I wonder just how trustworthy Morlum is?
Author's reply
Thank-you, Lindelea. That the reader wants more is a prize for the author! And I am tickled that you wonder about Morlum.
daw the minstrel · 25 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Mission Abroad
Oh duh. Now I think I see about the perfume. Trade has been banned?
Author's reply
You clever girl! ;-)